American Airlines' Kreeger to Be New Virgin Atlantic CEO

By

Marietta Cauchi And

Daniel Michaels

Updated Jan. 8, 2013 1:15 p.m. ET

LONDON—Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd., which last month linked up with Delta Air Lines Inc., deepened its ties to the U.S. aviation market by hiring American Airlines veteran Craig Kreeger as its new chief executive.

Mr. Kreeger, 53 years old, succeeds current CEO Steve Ridgway, who is retiring from the airline next month after 23 years, the last 11 as chief executive. Mr. Ridgway will work alongside Mr. Kreeger until then.